University of Houston parts ways with Chris Pezman, launches national search for Cougars athletic director

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Chris Pezman won’t see out the University of Houston’s second season in the Big 12 and beyond.

On Thursday, UH announced it would not retain the athletic director, marking what the university president called a necessary decision.

“He played a pivotal role in our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed student-athlete success on the field and in the classroom,” said UH President Renu Khator. “This was a difficult but necessary decision as we experience a paradigm shift in college athletics.”

Additionally, the university announced the start of a national search for the next head of intercollegiate athletics.

Pezmangraduate of UH and former football captain of the Cougars, served in that capacity for six yearswith milestones in the men’s basketball and track and field programs as major highlights of his era.

However, success was not widespread. The football program ranked in the top 25 during Pezman’s tenure. He also oversaw two head coaching changes for Cougars football, hiring Dana Holgorsen in 2019 And Willie Fritz this past offseason.

UH also became a member of the Big 12, but has had to play catch-up in providing facilities, especially in football, comparable to those of its new conference mates. A $130 million soccer complex, opened last year, is still under construction.

The university also announced that Raymond S. Bartlett, senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as interim athletic director as part of the search.

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